Matadors Comeback Bid Falls Short in 3-1 Loss to Cal State Fullerton

NORTHRIDGE, Calif. - The Cal State Northridge Matadors men's soccer team (2-8-2, 1-2-1 BWC) nearly erased a two-goal halftime deficit to the Cal State Fullerton Titans (4-6-2, 3-2 BWC) Wednesday night at Matador Soccer Field, but a late goal by Fullerton gave the visitors a 3-1 advantage that would ultimately hold up.

Although the score may not have been indicative of how close the game actually was, the Matadors on several occasions came incredibly close to tying the match deep into the second half.

The Matadors found themselves behind entering the second half by the score of 2-0, but quickly created scoring opportunities as the second period began.

In the 54th minute, sophomore Rene Anguiano delivered two quick shots about fifteen yards to the right of the Fullerton goal, but Titan goalkeeper, Trevor Whiddon made consecutive saves that kept the Matadors off the board for the moment.

Ten minutes later, the Matadors broke through with a rapid fire score. Off a Titan turnover, Rafael Garcia dribbled the ball just past midfield and delivered a pass over the top to Camilo Rojas, who promptly shot a perfect shot to the lower left of the goal from seven yards out to bring the Matadors within a 2-1 score.

Building off the momentum of the goal, CSUN would create several scoring opportunities, with each nearly hitting the back of the net.

Junior, Mattias Bonvehi had a one-on-one play with Whiddon deep into the box, but Bonvehi lost his footing while driving to the net and could not fire a shot on goal.

Moments later, Anguiano would shoot a near point blank shot from the ten yards out just wide of the net, followed up by another wide shot by freshman Sam Ball in the 80th minute that was within ten yards to the left of the goal.

Despite CSUN dominating the ball for most of the second half, Fullerton came away with a possession in the 84th minute that proved to be the difference in the game.

Capitalizing on a Matador turnover, Antonio Veraschi of Fullerton scored a goal that pushed the Titans ahead 3-1, ending the Matadors comeback bid.

Northridge outshot Fullerton in the match by a 21-18 margin, including outshooting them in each half. Gustavo Villalobos led the way with six shots, with one being on goal. Anguiano had five shots, including two-shots on goal.

The Matadors also has a 9-3 advantage on corner kicks, which is their second highest total of the season, with their first coming at Fullerton (10/2) when they registered 11.

The loss Wednesday night evens the season series between the two teams, as the Matadors were victorious 3-0 in their first meeting in Fullerton.

Northridge will return to the pitch this Saturday on the campus of UC Davis. Kick-off is slated for a 7:00pm start time.